A Rundown on Top Android Security Apps

With Android growing bigger by the minute, security issues also are starting hound it. Some experts believe that the open nature of the operating system makes it vulnerable to various accounts. If you recall, a number of apps were removed from the Android Market in response to the discovery of malware in them. The good news is, as more and more users jump to the Android ship, developers are also looking to making apps that would provide OS security, and our trusty PC antivirus software makers are already in the Android market.

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Here are 5 of the top antivirus software that are now in Android. Most of the apps are for free, although there are paid versions offered too.

Aside from virus scanning, the multi-awarded free app does more wonders — it can locate your phone if you lost it and activate an alarm; it provides a backup of your contacts; and it runs on the background without draining your battery. Get the paid version at $30 per year, and you will have more useful features like a Privacy Advisor for apps, and seamless data transfer to a new phone.

Formerly known as DroidSecurity, this app does a comprehensive scan of everything in your phone, backs up your contact log and bookmarks, and allows for a lock capability when your phone is not with you. The paid version without the ads has an Applocker, allowing you to secure your apps with password and your inbox from SMS spam. There is also an option to just purchase the Applocker separately for $3.

Norton’s Android security app is still in its beta version, but it has been reviewed as promising with its antivirus protection, remote locate/lock/wipe, and call and SMS screening. Owners of GSM devices will also be happy to know that Norton Mobile Security automatically locks the phone once the SIM registered in it is removed.

For a one-year subscription at an affordable $3.99, parents will find the Trend Mobile Security to be helpful with its parental controls for Web content along with its antivirus and anti-malware protection. However, it does not provide any remote locate/lock/wipe features for the user.

Another paid app at $20.00 annually, McAfee is definitely not following the steps of its competitors– it does not provide any antivirus protection to the Android user. However, it has a remote locate/lock/wipe feature, as well as data backup feature. There’s a free add-on named WaveSecure UPA, which works to lock the phone once it has detected an attempt to remove the WaveSecure from the phone.